Airmax is committed to delivering highly reliable, future-proof, and efficient fleet management technology. This report outlines the significant strategic updates to our in-vehicle hardware roadmap for 2026, focusing on the introduction of new devices that replace and significantly upgrade existing designs. These changes ensure future connectivity continuity, enhance functionality, improve reliability, and simplify installation, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership for our customers.
1. The Airmax Driver Interface (ADI): Universal Next-Generation Hardware
The new Airmax Driver Interface (ADI) is the second-generation card reader, strategically replacing the legacy standalone unit that was in production since 2008. Strategic Consolidation and Market Expansion.
A key feature of the ADI is that it consolidates the functions of three previous designs into a single version. This new design opens the entire proposition up to all markets and customers, ensuring a standardised, high-quality experience regardless of fleet size or vehicle type.
- Universal Customisation: The ADI’s core technology is housed in a single unit, which is highly configurable and supports customisable overlay labels. This means the same technology can be adapted to different customer or vehicle type requirements by simply changing the label and remotely adjusting the configuration.
- Remote Configuration: The unit is entirely remotely configurable, allowing features to be enabled or disabled post-installation based on customer requirements.
Core Functionality and Compliance
The ADI integrates three key functional areas:
- Driver ID Solution (NFC): Supports existing MiFare 13.56MHz cards and security keys, and now expands support to include Ultralight, Classic, and DESFire (EV1/2) standards.
- Privacy and GDPR Compliance: Includes two configurable buttons (e.g., “Private” and “Business”) and an LED indicator, facilitating consent setting and robust GDPR compliance.
- Driver Feedback: Reintroduces a key feature with a single row of remotely configurable LEDs for real-time driver behaviour feedback.
Operational and Installation Improvements
- Plug-and-Play Installation: The design features a USB connector allowing it to connect directly into the telematics unit, eliminating the interface module required by the previous design. This significantly lowers quiescent power consumption and supports a true plug-and-play installation.
- Phased Implementation: The ADI will be included in all new orders from 1st March 2026. Existing customers who require the ADI immediately can upgrade an existing compatible telematics device (telematics design generations version 3.5 onwards) via a scheduled service call.
2. Platform Enhancement: 4G LTE-M Connectivity and 2G Sunset
Our new 4G LTE-M Telematics Device is now the standard deployment and is available to all customers. This upgrade is essential for guaranteeing the future of your fleet’s connectivity.
Mitigating the 2G/3G Sunset
Major UK operators are phasing out 2G and 3G networks to reallocate spectrum and resources to modern networks like 4G, LTE, and 5G. This “sunset” affects all Internet of Things (IoT) systems across the country.
- Timeline: While the national mitigation deadline is set for 2033, operators have suggested earlier phase-out dates, such as EE in May 2029 and Vodafone in 2031.
- Action Plan: Your Account Manager will be in contact to profile your fleet for any specific upgrade needs, although this change is primarily expected to form part of your natural replacement cycle.
- Network Reliability: This solution will utilise EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2 networks through our private APN and multi-network functionality, ensuring seamless IoT and business connectivity with automatic signal switching.
3. Dedicated Updates for Emergency Services (Airmax Response)
The following enhancements are specific to our Airmax Response customers (emergency services fleets) and are part of our strategy to create a common vehicle technical standard.
New Vehicle Interface Module (VIM)
The new VIM replaces the current module, offering crucial enhancements for specific installation scenarios.
- Limited Application: The VIM is designed only for vehicles that do not have an intelligent control system installed (using analogue outputs) or for those customers who need to retain a start inhibit function.
- Preferred Integration Standard: Our preferred installation methodology is to integrate physically by CAN data directly to the vehicle’s intelligent switch or control system, which expands the low power outputs available for telematics reporting. This standard removes the need for a VIM, replacing traditional wiring harnesses with an integrated solution, which significantly reduces the total cost of investment, installation labour time, component failure risk, and quiescent current.
- Robust Design: Where the VIM is required, the new design features 8 inputs and new Micro-Lock connectors for a more robust and secure design.
Strategic Antenna Integration
While we will continue to make available a Combi LTE/GPS Antenna as part of our kits, integration with the high-performance Sure Antenna range is a strategic enhancement specifically for Airmax Response customers who procure a Sure Antenna (Mallard, Sandcastle and Sharkfin, or have an LTE/GPS connection available), ask your account manager about kitting requirements to support this approach with your current vehicle build design.
These specialised antennas provide immediate and measurable benefits for technical standardisation:
- Improved Accuracy: Enhances GPS sensitivity and location accuracy, improving the Time To First Fix (TTFF), especially in dense urban areas.
- Cost Efficiency: Provides a single-hole antenna solution, simplifying placement and potentially reducing installation costs and time.
Summary of Transition Strategy
| Component | Target Customer | Availability / Deployment Strategy | Key Requirement / Benefit |
| 4G LTE-M Device | All Customers | Now standard deployment. Expected to align with replacement cycles due to 2G/3G Sunset mitigation. | Future-proof connectivity; Automatic Signal Switching. |
| Airmax Driver Interface (ADI) | All Customers | New orders from 1st March 2026. Phased upgrade for existing fleets via service call. | Consolidates 3 designs; remotely configurable; USB connection to telematics unit (Gen 3.5+). |
| New Vehicle Interface Module (VIM) | Airmax Response (Emergency Services) | Available for those requiring analogue outputs or start inhibit, replacing the legacy module. | New Micro-Lock connectors; supports a common vehicle technical standard. |
| Sure Antenna Integration | Airmax Response (Emergency Services) | Part of the strategy to create a common vehicle technical standard. | Improved TTFF; better accuracy in urban areas. |
